Batrakov Highlights Successful All-American Championships

Georgy Batrakov reached the Round of 16 in the All-American Championships. (Photo by Mark Philbrick/BYU Photo)

TULSA, Okla. – The BYU men’s tennis team ended a successful run during the prestigious nine-day ITA All-American Championships Friday in Tulsa, Okla.

“The whole team here performed really well,” BYU assistant coach Zach Warren said. “It was a really good start for the 2012 season.”

No. 91 Georgy Batrakov reached the Round of 16 in the main draw after beginning competition in the qualifying rounds Monday. By reaching the Round of 16, senior Batrakov accomplished a feat that has not been done by a Cougar since 2002.

Batrakov was pushed to his third three-set match of the tournament by No. 2 seed Alexis Klegou of Texas A&M in the Round of 16. Batrakov took the first set but was unable to overcome Klegou, dropping the match 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. The loss was Batrakov’s first during this year’s fall play.

“I think he had a few too many three set matches,” Warren said. “But he had an incredible run during the tournament. It was one of the best performances I think BYU has ever had. We're really proud of him.”

No. 53 Patrick Kawka, who began competition in the main draw Thursday, faced Southern California's Ray Sarmiento in the Round of 16 in the Consolation bracket. Sarmiento topped sophomore Kawka, 6-4, 6-0.

The Cougars highlighted an impressive BYU lineup that competed against top talent in the tournament. Along with Batrakov and Kawka, No. 117 sophomore Spencer Smith and freshmen Keaton Cullimore and Francis Sargeant competed in the tournament for BYU.

The Cougars recorded an impressive 10 singles wins and four doubles wins during competition.

For more information on the tournament and for tournament draws, click here.